UHS bat boxes 2017

University High School Students

Upon learning that there was a large population of bats at a park near their school, a group of University High School students decided to take action to protect them. Students researched bat population conservation methods and found that bat boxes provide a safe haven and resting place for the animals. These bat boxes are an interactive educational tool for their Outdoor Classroom, and the bats offer natural pest control by eating hundreds of mosquitoes daily.

Bat boxes are flat, rectangular structures with an open bottom for the bats to enter. The students mounted their boxes on poles in an open field to create an inviting resting place out of reach of predators.

An important part of the project also included educational outreach. The group prepared and delivered a presentation to their classmates to dispel common negative misconceptions about bats. They also explained why it's important they be protected and how they're doing it.

The bat detector also allows the boxes to be an ongoing educational tool for UHS students and teachers, and will offer a hands on ecology and conservationism experience for years to come. ​The National Wildlife Federation has great information about making your own bat box here. The above photo shows the students' "insect hotel" created for the site.

The group extensively researched the designs for the two boxes they built. They found that several different factors, including the size and color of the boxes, can have an affect on their ability to attract different types of bats.

The group also installed a monitor on the box, called the Baton XD Bat Detector. The bat detector is able to report to a smartphone how many bats enter the boxes, and when they do so, which they will monitor over time.

This Bat Boxes project is the sixth UHS project funded via the Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant program. Together, with other student-led projects, they have produced the UHS Outdoor Classroom which is highlighted in the video below.We are proud to have facilitated projects for students to lead, become empowered, and discover while creating a long-lasting, hands-on and unique learning experience.